Today we are celebrating the liturgical Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord. On this day let us recall the pious death of the Servant of God Pope Paul VI. Let us do so at this Holy Mass, in which Christ once again presents his redeeming sacrifice on the altar.

"Mysterium fidei": these are the words that introduce the memorable Encyclical Paul VI dedicated to the Eucharist in the third year of his Pontificate. A deeply devout teacher of Eucharistic doctrine and worship, he defined the sacramental presence of Christ in the Eucharistic sacrifice as a "truly sublime" presence that "constitutes the greatest of miracles of its kind" (Mysterium Fidei, EV, nn. 423, 427). With what great faith and caring did Paul VI instruct the People of God on this central mystery of the Catholic faith!

On the Feast of the Transfiguration, let us ask, as we do in the liturgy, that "the Bread of heaven... transform us into the image of Christ" (Prayer after Communion). Paul VI also prayed for this in his time. Today we ask this for him so that contemplating the face of the Lord without veils, he may enjoy the vision of his glory forever.